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AgVetLink: Number 52, October 2005

Staff update

Ana Zdradkovich, Advisor (Animals)

“I was born and raised by the Danube in Eastern Serbia. I gained my veterinary degree from the University of Belgrade in 1986. My working life back home was in research (production animal nutrition) and large animal practice. New Zealand has been my home for the last ten years. I lived with family in Palmerston North and Wellington before getting my veterinary registration in 2003. While preparing for registration I did social work, helping people with disabilities. I joined the ACVM Group in September, after working in small animal practice in Levin. A warm welcome and support from all team members made my start enjoyable. I look forward to the future as a part of the ACVM Group.”

Alice Palmer, Advisor (ACVM and Non-Food Products)

“I grew up in Heriot, Waipukerau, Taumarunui and Te Awamutu (just like a Kiwiburger.) Then I headed to Otago University to study Physics, French and Socialising. I have just spent the last two years globe trotting, and my favourite places were Barcelona and Beijing. I also taught English in France and South Korea. I moved back to New Zealand to be closer to my family. I love sports (especially basketball, skiing and touch) and am mad about cheese. I’m really looking forward to working with everyone in the ACVM Group and would like to thank them for their warm and jovial welcome.”

Simon Ellery, Advisor (ACVM and Non-Food Products)

“Hi, my name is Simon Ellery. I am 27 years old and was born and raised in Ashburton. After leaving school I served an apprenticeship as a butcher. Once completed I worked as a lamb boner at various meat plants in New Zealand and Australia. Supervising at the Fairton freezing works was the next step. After three and a half years at Fairton, I headed south. Dunedin was home for two years while working in the PPCS head office as a production scheduler. Throughout my ten years working in the meat industry, food safety and quality has always been paramount. From this background I look forward to a challenging and diverse career with NZFSA. I moved to Wellington in June of this year and am enjoying it greatly. When not working, I enjoy playing the guitar.”